After nine extraordinary years, Mohamed Salah may have played his final game at Anfield following Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Brentford — a result that nonetheless secured their place in next season’s Champions League.
Salah came agonisingly close to the dream farewell goal, curling a first-half free-kick around the wall that beat Caoimhin Kelleher only to strike the post. He still left his mark, however, teeing up Curtis Jones with a precise low cross that gave Liverpool the lead — before VAR confirmed the goal stood after a nervous wait.
The afternoon’s defining moment came in the 74th minute when Arne Slot substituted Salah. His teammates formed a spontaneous guard of honour, embracing him one by one as Anfield rose in appreciation. Salah then dropped to his knees and kissed the pitch — a gesture that swept across social media and felt unmistakably like a farewell.
Kevin Schade’s equaliser for Brentford barely registered against the weight of the occasion. With Bournemouth drawing against Nottingham Forest, Liverpool’s Champions League spot was confirmed regardless, freeing supporters to focus on what mattered most: honouring a player who redefined the club’s modern era.
Salah delivered goals, assists, consistency and iconic moments across nearly a decade on Merseyside, helping Liverpool win the Premier League and Champions League and reclaim their place among Europe’s elite.
Whether or not Anfield has seen the last of him, Sunday’s farewell — earned or not — will live long in the memory.
